After starting the year with uncertainty about player numbers, the Herbert River and Burdekin Rugby Leagues decided to combine their personnel and form a single ladies’ team. The experiment proved a success, with the Burdekin River team now just one win away from the Grand Final of the RLTD Women’s competition.
Exhibiting the old adage of “let the ball do the work,” Burdekin River defeated Brothers 20–12 in the knockout semi-final last Sunday at Brothers, booking a place in this Sunday’s preliminary final against Western Lions. The winner will advance to the Grand Final to face Centrals, who beat the Lions 24–10 in the major semi-final.
Coach Anita Hagarty said her team started slowly, leading 10–4 at halftime after Brothers opened the scoring 4–0. “The Brothers team were bigger, but our girls countered that by letting the ball do the work in attack,” Hagarty said. “We were great in defence, with several knock-ons and some outstanding front-on tackles.”
The forwards led the way against the larger opposition, with Taleisha Bulgarelli named best forward, supported by Abby King, Tilney Rowe, and Aleikah Heron. It was hard to separate the backs, with top performances from Martina Monday at seven, Paige Horvat at five-eighth, Tiana Krutzfeldt, and fullback Toni Daisy.
Queensland Country fullback Toni Daisy was outstanding, scoring three tries with her positional play and speed. Hagarty noted that older fans at the ground were reminded of Toni’s father, the great Vern Daisy, as she tore through the opposition. While the coach praised several players individually, she highlighted that every team member did their job.
Burdekin River scorers:
Tries: Toni Daisy 3, Taleisha Bulgarelli
Goals: Tiana Krutzfeldt, Rebekkah Pace
Other semi-final results (all played at Brothers):
Ladies: 2024 Premiers Centrals defeated Western Lions 24–10, advancing to defend their title on Sunday, September 14.
A Grade: Souths defeated Brothers 32–10, advancing to the Grand Final. Brothers will meet Western Lions in the preliminary final after the Lions came from behind to beat Herbert River 42–24.
Reserve Grade: Defending premiers Souths defeated Brothers 28–18, advancing to the Grand Final. Brothers will play Herbert River after the River defeated Western Lions 28–14 in the knockout final.
All players came through unscathed, and Burdekin River is expected to field the same team for Sunday’s preliminary final. Hagarty noted, “While there were the usual bumps and bruises, no one suffered any major injuries. Western Lions have big forwards and experienced inner backs, but we have strong leadership in Paige Horvat and Martina Monday at halves. Toni will be closely watched, giving Tiana, Lily, Abbey, and Tanley a chance to shine.”
“Regardless of the opposition, I know all my girls will give it their best,” Hagarty added.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes
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